Clothes treatment apparatus

Abstract

A clothes treatment apparatus is disclosed. The clothes treatment apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a cabinet, a drum, an air circulation part and a filter part. A filter chamber includes a chamber inlet part in through which air flows in a first direction, and a chamber outlet part through which the air is discharged in a second direction, which intersects the first direction. A filter member includes: an inlet surface which faces the chamber inlet part, and through which the air flows in the first direction into a filter space formed inside the filter member; a first filter surface which is connected to the inlet surface and faces the chamber outlet part, and through which the air in the filter space passes in the second direction and is filtered; and a second filter surface which is connected to the inlet surface, and through which the air in the filter space passes and is filtered, wherein the distance between one surface of the filter chamber facing the second filter surface and the second filter surface decreases as the distance from the inlet surface increases.

Description

Garment processing equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothing treatment device, and more particularly, to a clothing treatment device capable of drying clothing.

[0002] A clothing treatment device is a device that can perform various treatment courses for treating clothing, such as a washing course to remove contamination from laundry or a drying course to remove moisture from clothing, by placing clothing, bedding, etc. (hereinafter referred to as “laundry”) inside a drum.

[0003] Garment treatment devices can perform a drying process for clothing using various principles. For example, a garment treatment device can perform the drying process by providing high-temperature air to a container containing the clothing, thereby evaporating moisture from the clothing.

[0004] Additionally, the garment treatment device may include an air treatment unit for providing high-temperature air, and the air treatment unit may heat the air in various ways. For example, the air treatment unit may heat the air using a heater or other device that consumes electricity, or may heat the air using a heat pump system that utilizes heat generated by compressing a fluid such as a refrigerant.

[0005] Meanwhile, the air treatment unit may be an exhaust type that supplies air drawn in from outside the cabinet to the receiving unit and discharges the air from the receiving unit to the outside of the cabinet, or a circulation type that circulates the air from the receiving unit and processes the air at a high temperature and dryness.

[0006] Meanwhile, the circulating air treatment unit may include a filter for removing lint, etc. in the air to prevent lint, etc. separated from clothing and contained in the air from accumulating in the air heating means and thereby obstructing air flow and reducing heat exchange efficiency.

[0007] Related document JP 6321870 B2 discloses a clothes treatment device that heats circulating air using a heat pump system and includes a filter for removing foreign substances from the circulating air.

[0008] During the drying process, the air flow rate is an important factor in drying efficiency, and therefore increasing the filtering area of ​​the filter is important for increasing the air flow rate and improving drying efficiency.

[0009] In addition, even if the filtering area is increased, if uniform air is not supplied to the filtering area, the efficiency of the filter may be reduced and the air flow rate may be reduced.

[0010] For example, if the air flow path is bent due to design necessity, the uniformity of the air flow across the cross-section at the bending point may be reduced, and in this case, even if the filtering area is increased, it is difficult to expect full filter performance and an increase in the air flow rate.

[0011] Therefore, increasing the filter capacity, effectively increasing the filtering area, and further improving the uniformity of the flow of air over the filtering cross-section are important tasks in this technical field.

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a clothing treatment device capable of effectively improving filter performance.

[0013] In addition, embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a clothing treatment device capable of effectively increasing filter capacity and filtering area.

[0014] In addition, embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a clothing treatment device capable of improving filter performance even when the direction of air flow changes.

[0015] In addition, embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a clothing treatment device capable of effectively improving the uniformity of air flow rate on the filter surface of the filter.

[0016] In addition, embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a clothing treatment device that can effectively improve the convenience of use for withdrawal and introduction of a filter.

[0017] A garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an air circulation unit and a filter unit. The filter unit includes a filter chamber, and the filter chamber may include a chamber inlet unit through which air is introduced in a first direction, and a chamber discharge unit through which air is discharged in a second direction crossing the first direction.

[0018] The filter element provided in the filter section may have a plurality of filter surfaces, and at least one of the plurality of filter surfaces may have a change in the distance from the filter chamber, thereby improving the flow uniformity of air passing through the at least one of the filter surfaces.

[0019] A garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet, a drum, an air circulation unit, and a filter unit.

[0020] The drum is provided rotatable within the cabinet and accommodates clothing. An air circulation unit is provided within the cabinet and circulates air within the drum. A filter unit includes a filter chamber provided within the air circulation unit and a filter member provided within the filter chamber to filter out foreign substances in the air.

[0021] The above filter chamber may include a chamber inlet portion through which air is introduced along a first direction and a chamber outlet portion through which air is discharged along a second direction crossing the first direction.

[0022] The above filter element may include an inlet surface, a first filter surface, and a second filter surface. The inlet surface faces the chamber inlet portion, and air is introduced into the filter space formed inside the filter element along the first direction.

[0023] The first filter surface is connected to the inlet surface and faces the chamber discharge portion, and air in the filter space can pass through and be filtered along the second direction. The second filter surface is connected to the inlet surface and air in the filter space can pass through and be filtered.

[0024] The distance between the surface of the filter chamber facing the second filter surface and the second filter surface may decrease as it gets farther away from the inlet surface.

[0025] Air that has passed through the first filter surface and the second filter surface can flow along the space between the filter member and the filter chamber and be discharged through the chamber discharge portion.

[0026] Among the filter chambers, one side facing the second filter surface may extend obliquely with respect to the second filter surface. Among the filter chambers, one side facing the second filter surface may extend obliquely along the first direction.

[0027] The second filter surface may face the bottom surface of the filter chamber, and the bottom surface of the filter chamber may be extended in an inclined manner so that the distance from the second filter surface decreases as it gets farther away from the inlet surface.

[0028] The first filter surface and the second filter surface may extend from the inlet surface along the first direction. The second filter surface may be connected to the inlet surface and the first filter surface.

[0029] The second filter surface faces the bottom surface of the filter chamber, and the distance between the bottom surface of the filter chamber and the second filter surface may decrease as it gets farther from the first filter surface.

[0030] The second filter surface may extend obliquely with respect to the bottom surface of the filter chamber. The second filter surface may extend obliquely along the second direction from the first filter surface.

[0031] The above filter element may further include a third filter surface connected to the inlet surface and through which air in the filter space passes and is filtered. The first filter surface, the second filter surface, and the third filter surface may extend from the inlet surface along the first direction.

[0032] The second filter surface is connected to the inlet surface and the first filter surface, and the third filter surface is connected to the inlet surface and the second filter surface, but can be spaced apart from the first filter surface.

[0033] The first filter surface may correspond to one of the two sides of the filter member along the width direction of the cabinet, the second filter surface may correspond to the bottom surface of the filter member, and the third filter surface may correspond to the remaining one of the two sides of the filter member.

[0034] A filter sealer may be provided on the inlet surface of the filter member to prevent air leakage between the chamber inlet portion of the filter chamber. A surface of the filter member facing the inlet surface may form a fixed surface fixed to the filter chamber.

[0035] The above air circulation unit may be positioned above the tub inside the cabinet. The filter member may be drawn out from the filter chamber to the outside of the cabinet through the upper surface of the cabinet.

[0036] The cabinet may include a top panel defining a top surface, and the top panel may include a filter opening into which the filter member is inserted.

[0037] The above air circulation unit may include a circulation path including an inlet portion through which air is drawn in from the tub and an outlet portion positioned in front of the inlet portion to discharge air into the tub.

[0038] The above filter unit is provided in the circulation path and can be positioned in front of the inlet unit.

[0039] The above circulation path may include an inlet pipe extending forward from the inlet portion and connected to the filter chamber. The chamber inlet portion may be provided at the rear of the filter chamber.

[0040] The above inlet surface corresponds to the rear surface of the filter member, and the front surface of the filter member may form a fixing surface that is releasably fixed to the filter chamber. The cabinet may further include a drain portion positioned below the tub inside the cabinet and configured to discharge water from the tub.

[0041] The cabinet may further include a detergent supply unit positioned below the tub within the cabinet and supplying detergent into the tub. The cabinet may further include an additional processing device including an additional cabinet positioned below the cabinet and an additional drum provided within the additional cabinet for accommodating clothes. The cabinet may be positioned above the additional cabinet.

[0042] The air circulation unit includes a first flow path extending along the first direction and a second flow path extending from the first flow path along the second direction, and the filter chamber may be provided at a connection point between the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0043] The above air circulation unit may further include a heat exchanger provided in the second flow path to exchange heat between air and refrigerant.

[0044] The chamber discharge portion of the filter chamber may be arranged to face the heat exchanger. The air circulation portion may further include a heat exchanger in which heat exchange occurs between air flowing through the air circulation portion and a refrigerant, and a mounting base including a heat exchange chamber on which the filter chamber and the heat exchanger are mounted.

[0045] In the above mounting base, the filter member and the heat exchanger can be aligned parallel to the width direction of the cabinet. The mounting base can be provided so that the filter chamber and the heat exchange chamber share one surface.

[0046] The above filter chamber is provided with the chamber discharge port on the one surface shared with the heat exchange chamber, and air can be introduced into the heat exchange chamber through the chamber discharge port of the filter chamber.

[0047] Meanwhile, a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet, a drum rotatably provided inside the cabinet and configured to accommodate clothing, an air circulation unit provided inside the cabinet and configured to circulate air inside the drum, a filter chamber provided in the air circulation unit, and a filter unit including a filter member provided in the filter chamber and configured to filter foreign substances in the air.

[0048] The above filter chamber may include a chamber inlet portion through which air is introduced along a first direction and a chamber outlet portion through which air is discharged along a second direction crossing the first direction.

[0049] The filter member may include an inlet surface facing the chamber inlet portion and through which air is introduced along the first direction into a filter space formed inside the filter member, a first filter surface connected to the inlet surface and facing the chamber discharge portion, through which air in the filter space passes along the second direction and is filtered, and a second filter surface connected to the inlet surface and the first filter surface, through which air in the filter space passes and is filtered.

[0050] The distance between the surface of the filter chamber facing the second filter surface and the second filter surface may decrease as it moves away from the first filter surface.

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention can provide a clothing treatment device capable of effectively improving filter performance.

[0052] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a clothing treatment device that can effectively increase filter capacity and filtering area.

[0053] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a clothing treatment device capable of improving filter performance even when the direction of air flow changes.

[0054] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a clothing treatment device that can effectively improve the uniformity of air flow rate on the filter surface of the filter.

[0055] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can provide a clothing treatment device that can effectively improve the convenience of use for withdrawal and introduction of a filter.

[0056] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a garment treatment device in a laminated form with an additional treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 2 is a drawing showing a garment treatment device separated from the additional treatment device in Figure 1.

[0058] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of a garment treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an air circulation unit of a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an air circulation unit arranged on the upper part of a cabinet in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an exploded view of a fixing part for fixing an air circulation part in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 8 is a drawing showing an exploded view of an air circulation unit mounted on a cabinet in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of an air circulation unit in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an air circulation unit connected to a tub with the cabinet removed in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a detergent supply unit and an additional processing device arranged below a tub in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 12 is a drawing showing the direction of air flow according to an air circulation unit in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 13 is a top view of an air circulation unit disposed above a tub in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a filter member separated from a cabinet through a top panel in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a filter member of a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Fig. 16 is a drawing showing a process of separating a filter member in a clothing treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Fig. 17 is a drawing showing a fixing protrusion provided on a filter member in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Fig. 18 is a drawing showing a filter member being coupled to a filter chamber in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 19 is a drawing showing a process in which a fixed surface of a filter member is fixed to a filter chamber in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Fig. 20 is a drawing showing a filter sealer provided in a filter member in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Fig. 21 is a drawing showing the direction of air flow inside a filter chamber in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 22 is a drawing showing a constant distance between the filter surface and the inner surface of the filter chamber inside the filter chamber.

[0078] Figure 23 is a drawing showing a change in the distance between one surface of a filter member and the inner surface of a filter chamber in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Fig. 24 is a drawing showing a filter member having three filter surfaces in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Fig. 25 is a drawing showing a filter surface of a filter member extended obliquely in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail so that a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily practice it.

[0082] However, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description have been omitted, and similar parts have been designated with similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0083] In this specification, duplicate descriptions of identical components are omitted.

[0084] Additionally, when a component is referred to herein as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may be other components present in between. Conversely, when a component is referred to herein as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components present in between.

[0085] Additionally, the terms used herein are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0086] Also, in this specification, singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0087] In addition, in this specification, it should be understood that terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify only the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0088] Also, in this specification, the term 'and / or' includes a combination of multiple listed items or any item among multiple listed items. In this specification, 'A or B' can include 'A', 'B', or 'both A and B'.

[0089] FIG. 1 illustrates a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention being positioned above an additional treatment device (2).

[0090] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a garment treatment device (1, first treatment device) may be provided in a vertically stacked form together with an additional treatment device (2, second treatment device). For example, the garment treatment device (1) may include a cabinet (10, first cabinet) forming an exterior, and the cabinet (10) may be placed above the additional treatment device (2).

[0091] A garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can perform a washing process or a drying process of garments accommodated inside the cabinet (10). As illustrated in Fig. 2, an additional treatment device (2) can wash or dry garments accommodated inside the additional drum (4, second drum) separately from the garment treatment device (1).

[0092] The additional processing device (2) may include an additional cabinet (3, second cabinet) positioned below the cabinet (10) and an additional drum (4) provided inside the additional cabinet (3) to accommodate clothing. The cabinet (10) may be positioned above the additional cabinet (3).

[0093] A garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be defined to include the additional treatment device (2). For example, a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be defined as a whole including the cabinet (10) and the additional cabinet (3).

[0094] Hereinafter, unless otherwise stated, a processing device arranged in a stacked form on top of the additional processing device (2) is described as a clothing processing device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention separated from the additional treatment device (2).

[0096] Referring to FIG. 2, the clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be used together with the additional treatment device (2), or may be used separately or separately.

[0097] The above clothing treatment device (1) may be positioned on the upper surface of the additional cabinet (3) of the above additional treatment device (2), and the lower surface may be provided with a leg portion for supporting a load by being positioned on the ground or the upper surface of the above additional cabinet (3).

[0098] The additional processing device (2) may also be provided with a leg mounting portion for mounting the leg portion of the clothing processing device (1) on the upper surface of the additional cabinet (3).

[0099] The above clothing processing device (1) may be a front loader type in which a door (17) and a clothing opening are formed on the front, and the additional processing device (2) may be a pedestal type in which a drawer (5) is provided inside an additional cabinet (3) forming the exterior.

[0100] The above drawer (5) can be introduced into or withdrawn from the interior of the additional cabinet (3) through the open front of the additional cabinet (3). The drawer (5) can be equipped with an additional drum (4) for accommodating clothes, and an additional detergent compartment (6) for storing detergent used in the washing process.

[0101] Meanwhile, FIG. 3 illustrates a garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, excluding the additional treatment device (2).

[0102] The above-described garment treatment device (1) includes the aforementioned cabinet (10). The cabinet (10) may be provided by combining multiple panels and may form the exterior of the garment treatment device (1). A space in which various components may be arranged may be defined within the cabinet (10).

[0103] As shown in Fig. 4, the cabinet (10) may include a front panel (11) forming the front of the garment treatment device (1), a rear panel (12) forming the rear, a pair of side panels (13) forming both sides, a top panel (14) forming the upper surface, and a base panel (15) forming the lower surface.

[0104] A clothing insertion port (16) may be provided on the front of the cabinet (10). The clothing insertion port (16) may be formed on the front panel (11). The front panel (11) may be provided with a door (17) for opening and closing the clothing insertion port (16). The door (17) is provided to be rotatable on the front panel (11) so as to open and close the clothing insertion port (16) depending on the rotation state.

[0105] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the front panel (11) may be equipped with an operation unit (65) that provides various information to the user or receives commands by being operated by the user. The operation unit (65) may include a display unit (66) for outputting a screen, and the display unit (66) may be provided to be exposed to the outside of the front panel (11).

[0106] The above display unit (66) may be provided so that a user's command can be input to the screen. For example, the display unit (66) may be provided so that a touch by the user can be detected.

[0107] A pull-out cover (18) and a detergent supply unit (90) may be arranged at the bottom of the front panel (11). The bottom of the front panel (11) may be a part of the front panel (11) including the lower portion of the front panel (11), or may be a separate component from the front panel (11), for example, the front of the base panel (15).

[0108] A drawer cover (18) may be provided to cover and shield a drawable component (a device or component provided to be drawable from the cabinet) from the outside within the cabinet (10). A user may open the drawer cover (18) to expose the drawable component to the outside, or close the drawer cover (18) to shield the drawable component from the outside.

[0109] The above-described withdrawable configuration can be set in various ways as needed. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the withdrawable configuration may include a residual water pipe extending from the drainage unit (50) to remove residual water present in the drainage unit (50) described later, or a drainage filter provided in the drainage pump (51) of the drainage unit (50).

[0110] The detergent supply unit (90) may be provided at the bottom of the cabinet (10) and may be arranged so that at least a portion thereof can be withdrawn to the front of the cabinet (10). For example, the detergent supply unit (90) may include a detergent case fixed inside the cabinet (10) and a detergent storage unit that is inserted into or withdrawn from the detergent case along the front-back direction (X).

[0111] However, the location of the detergent supply unit (90) is not necessarily limited to the lower part of the cabinet (10), and, if necessary, it may be placed on the upper part of the cabinet (10) as described later.

[0112] Meanwhile, the top panel (14) may be provided to form the upper surface of the cabinet (10). In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the top panel (14) may be provided with a filter opening (402) into which a filter member (400) to be described later is inserted.

[0113] The filter member (400) may be provided to filter foreign substances in the air of the air circulation unit (100) provided in the clothing treatment device (1), as described later. The filter member (400) may be inserted into the filter opening (402) to form the upper surface of the cabinet (10) together with the top panel (14).

[0114] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view showing the interior of a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] For reference, the clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided to perform either the aforementioned washing process or drying process, or may be provided to perform both.

[0116] For convenience of explanation, the following description is based on the structure of a clothing treatment device (1) capable of performing both a washing process and a drying process. However, it is of course possible to change the configuration to perform either a washing process or a drying process, if necessary.

[0117] A clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a tub (30). The tub (30) is provided inside the cabinet (10) and can accommodate water.

[0118] The above tub (30) may have a roughly cylindrical shape, and a space for containing water may be defined inside. The central axis of the tub (30) may be roughly parallel to the front-back direction (X), but may be installed in an inclined form so that the front is higher than the rear.

[0119] The above tub (30) may include a tub opening (31) facing the clothing input port (16). A tub opening (31) facing the clothing input port (16) of the cabinet (10) may be provided on the front side of the tub (30) facing the front panel (11) of the cabinet (10).

[0120] Clothes that are fed into the cabinet (10) through the clothes inlet (16) can be fed into the tub (30) through the tub opening (31). A tub gasket (37) may be provided between the front of the tub (30) and the front panel (11) to prevent leakage of clothes and water.

[0121] Meanwhile, the tub (30) may be formed by combining multiple split configurations. For example, the tub (30) may be formed by combining a front split tub (32) and a rear split tub (33).

[0122] The front split tub (32) may include the front side portion of the tub (30). The front split tub (32) may include a tub opening (31) that opens toward the front of the cabinet (10) and a front portion of the circumferential surface (35) of the tub (30).

[0123] The rear split tub (33) may include the rear portion of the tub (30). The rear split tub (33) may include the rear portion of the tub (30) facing the rear of the cabinet (10) and the rear portion of the circumferential surface (35) of the tub (30).

[0124] The circumferential surface (35) of the above tub (30) can be formed by combining the front split tub (32) and the rear split tub (33). A portion of the circumferential surface (35) of the tub (30) located on the front side may belong to the front split tub (32), and the remainder of the circumferential surface (35) of the tub (30) located on the rear side may belong to the rear split tub (33).

[0125] Accordingly, a joining line (34) may be positioned on the circumferential surface (35) of the tub (30) to join the front split tub (32) and the rear split tub (33). The joining line (34) may extend along the circumferential direction of the tub (30). The joining line (34) may be positioned on the circumferential surface (35) of the tub (30) and may have a ring shape.

[0126] The above-mentioned garment treatment device (1) includes a drum (20). The drum (20) may be defined as a garment receiving portion where garments are directly received. The drum (20) is provided rotatable within the tub (30) to receive garments.

[0127] A drum opening (21) facing the tub opening (31) and the clothing inlet (16) may be formed on the front of the drum (20). Clothing that is fed into the cabinet (10) through the clothing inlet (16) may pass through the tub opening (31) and the drum opening (21) and be accommodated inside the drum (20).

[0128] The drum (20) may have a roughly cylindrical shape, and its central axis may be roughly parallel to the central axis of the tub (30). A plurality of holes may be formed on the circumferential surface of the drum (20) so that water contained within the tub (30) can be provided within the drum (20).

[0129] The rear of the drum (20) faces the rear of the tub (30), and a driving unit (60) can be coupled thereto. The driving unit (60) can provide rotational power to the drum (20) through a driving shaft coupled to the rear of the drum (20). The driving unit (60) can be fixed to the rear of the tub (30) or the rear of the cabinet (10), and can be coupled to the rear of the drum (20) through the driving shaft.

[0130] The above garment treatment device (1) may include a water supply unit (40). The water supply unit (40) may be connected to a water source existing outside the garment treatment device (1) and may be provided to supply water into the interior of the cabinet (10).

[0131] The water supply unit (40) may include a water supply pipe (42) for moving water flowing toward the tub (30) and a water supply valve (41) for controlling the flow of water. The number of the water supply pipes (42) and the water supply valves (41) may vary as needed.

[0132] The above clothing treatment device (1) may include a drainage unit (50). The drainage unit (50) may be connected to a tub (30) and provided to discharge water contained in the tub (30) to the outside of the cabinet (10).

[0133] The drainage unit (50) may be placed below the tub (30) and may include a drainage pipe (52) forming a flow path for water discharged from the tub (30) and a drainage pump (51) for discharging water from the tub (30).

[0134] The operation module (67) constituting the operation unit (65) described above may be placed at the rear of the display unit (66) described above. The display unit (66) may be connected to the operation module (67) in front of the operation module (67) and may be operated. The operation module (67) may be equipped with a display control board for controlling the display unit (66).

[0135] A tub support member (36) for supporting the tub (30) may be provided inside the cabinet (10). The tub support member (36) may extend from the tub (30) toward the aforementioned base panel (15) and may be provided to support the load of the tub (30) with respect to the base panel (15).

[0136] Meanwhile, a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an air circulation unit (100) for performing a drying process of clothing.

[0137] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air circulation unit (100) is positioned above the tub (30) so that the air inside the tub (30) can circulate.

[0138] The air inside the tub (30) or drum (20) can be discharged outside the tub (30) and introduced into the air circulation unit (100), and the air circulation unit (100) can heat and dehumidify the air and then introduce the air back into the tub (30) or drum (20).

[0139] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an air circulation unit (100) of a clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] The air inside the tub (30) can be circulated through the air circulation unit (100). The air discharged from the tub (30) is introduced into the air circulation unit (100), and the air discharged from the air circulation unit (100) can be introduced back into the tub (30).

[0141] The air circulation unit (100) may include a circulation path (110) through which air of the tub (30) circulates. The circulation path (110) may include an inlet (111) located above the tub (30) and through which air is drawn in from the tub (30), and an outlet (112) located in front of the inlet (111) and through which air is discharged into the tub (30).

[0142] The above inlet (111) may be provided to introduce air discharged from the tub (30) into the circulation path (110), and the above discharge part (112) may be provided to discharge air inside the circulation path (110) into the tub (30).

[0143] In one embodiment of the present invention, the circulation path (110) may include a first path (115) and a second path (116). The first path (115) may extend forward from the inlet (111). The second path (116) may extend from the first path (115) along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10).

[0144] In one embodiment of the present invention, the circulation path (110) may be arranged above the tub (30) within the cabinet (10). Accordingly, the arrangement space for components provided below the tub (30), such as the drainage section (50), the tub support section (36), and the detergent supply section (90), can be effectively secured below the tub (30).

[0145] Meanwhile, the air circulation unit (100) can perform various processing processes, such as heating or dehumidification, on the circulating air, and can include various configurations for this purpose. However, considering the spatial limitations of the air circulation unit (100) positioned above the tub (30) within the cabinet (10), the circulation path (110) can include a first path (115) and a second path (116) extending in different directions.

[0146] That is, the circulation path (110) can be extended in a manner that is bent or folded at the connection portion where the first path (115) and the second path (116) are connected. This effectively secures space in which components for the flow and treatment of air can be arranged in the upper space of the cabinet (10).

[0147] The air circulation unit (100) may include a filter member (400) for filtering out foreign substances such as lint in the air discharged from the tub (30). The filter member (400) may be placed on the circulation path (110) to filter foreign substances in the air.

[0148] In one embodiment of the present invention, the filter member (400) may be provided at a connection between the first flow path (115) and the second flow path (116). Accordingly, air flowing through the first flow path (115) may be filtered while passing through the filter member (400) and then flow into the second flow path (116).

[0149] The first flow path (115) and the second flow path (116) may extend in different directions. Accordingly, turbulence may increase as air moves from the first flow path (115) to the second flow path (116), which may adversely affect the air's flowability.

[0150] Since the filter member (400) can also act as resistance to the flow of air, the turbulence of air passing through the first flow path (115) and the second flow path (116) can be aggravated by the filter member (400). Accordingly, when the filter member (400) and the connecting portion (connecting space of the first flow path (115) and the second flow path (116)) are arranged to be spaced apart from each other, multiple sections that reduce the flow performance of air are formed, which can be disadvantageous in improving the turbulence of air.

[0151] In one embodiment of the present invention, since the filter member (400) is provided at the connection portion of the first flow path (115) and the second flow path (116), the section where the air flow resistance increases can be unified, and thereby the reduction in the air flow performance of the entire air circulation unit (100) can be effectively improved.

[0152] The air circulation unit (100) may include an air treatment unit (300) capable of heating and dehumidifying air. The air treatment unit (300) may correspond to at least a portion of the second flow path (116). The air treatment unit (300) forms a portion of the circulation flow path (110) and may include the filter member (400) and the heat exchanger (210).

[0153] The heat exchanger (210) of the air treatment unit (300) may be provided to exchange heat between the heat in the air and the refrigerant. The heat exchanger (210) may be provided to remove heat from the air to condense moisture in the air or to supply heat to the air to heat it.

[0154] The filter member (400) is positioned upstream of the heat exchanger (210) in the circulation path (110) to prevent foreign substances in the air from accumulating in the heat exchanger (210). The air treatment unit (300) may include a mounting base (310) on which the heat exchanger (210) and the like are mounted.

[0155] The above air circulation unit (100) may include at least a portion of a refrigerant circulation unit (200) that circulates refrigerant to absorb or release heat. The refrigerant circulation unit (200) may include the aforementioned heat exchanger (210) and a compressor (220) for compressing the refrigerant.

[0156] At least a portion of the refrigerant circulation unit (200) may correspond to a portion of the air circulation unit (100). For example, at least a portion of the refrigerant circulation unit (200) may be positioned on the circulation path (110) of the air circulation unit (100).

[0157] At least a portion of the refrigerant circulation unit (200), for example, the heat exchanger (210) of the refrigerant circulation unit (200), may be mounted on the mounting base (310) of the air treatment unit (300). The filter member (400) described above may also be mounted on the mounting base (310). That is, the filter member (400) and the heat exchanger (210) may be mounted together inside the mounting base (310).

[0158] FIG. 6 illustrates an air circulation unit (100) disposed on the upper part of a cabinet (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0159] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air circulation unit (100) as well as the refrigerant circulation unit (200) as a whole can be positioned above the tub (30). The air of the tub (30) can be discharged toward the air circulation unit (100) from the rear side of the tub (30), for example, the rear split tub (33) of the tub (30), and the air of the air circulation unit (100) can be introduced into the interior of the tub (30) through the tub opening (31) or the tub gasket (37) provided on the front side of the tub (30), for example, the front split tub (32).

[0160] In one embodiment of the present invention, clothing may be accommodated inside a drum (20) installed inside a tub (30). In this case, the perimeter surface of the drum (20) may act as resistance when air flowing from the outside of the tub (30) into the inside of the tub (30) flows into the inside of the drum (20).

[0161] For example, when air in the tub (30) is discharged to the air circulation unit (100) through the tub opening (31), the air in the air circulation unit (100) needs to be introduced into the tub (30) from the rear side of the tub (30) due to the arrangement relationship between the components.

[0162] In this case, even if the air inside the tub (30) is discharged, the air flowing into the tub (30) cannot flow into the drum (20) because the peripheral surface of the drum (20) acts as a high level of resistance, and can flow along the area between the peripheral surface (35) of the tub (30) and the peripheral surface of the drum (20).

[0163] That is, a situation may occur in which the high-temperature, dry air provided from the air circulation unit (100) is not transmitted to the clothing inside the drum (20).

[0164] In order to allow the air of the air circulation unit (100) to be easily transferred into the inside of the drum (20), one embodiment of the present invention can inject the air of the air circulation unit (100) toward the tub opening (31) that is connected to the drum opening (21). By allowing the air inside the tub (30) to be discharged from the rear side of the tub (30), at least the air of the high-temperature, dry air circulation unit (100) can be completely transferred into the inside of the drum (20).

[0165] That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, air can flow from the front to the rear inside the tub (30) or drum (20). The inlet (111) provided in the air circulation unit (100) can be located at the rear side of the tub (30), and the air outlet (112) can be located at the front side of the tub (30), for example, at the tub gasket (37).

[0166] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the filter member (400) may be provided to be detachable upward from the cabinet (10) through a filter opening (402) formed in the top panel (14) of the cabinet (10). In one embodiment of the present invention, the filter member (400) may have a three-dimensional structure in which a filter space (401) is defined and a plurality of filter surfaces (420) are provided, as described below, in order to improve the storage capacity of foreign substances, improve filter efficiency, and improve the flowability of air.

[0167] The filter member (400) requires management by the user, such as removing captured foreign substances, and accordingly, it is necessary to ensure ease of use for separation and combination of the filter member (400).

[0168] However, as described above, the clothing treatment device (1) may include an operating unit (65), and the operating unit (65) may be positioned above the front panel (11), for example, above the door (17), for convenience of use.

[0169] That is, the operation unit (65) including the display unit (66) and the operation module (67) can be positioned in front of the filter member (400). When the filter member (400) having the three-dimensional structure is to be pulled out through the front panel (11), an area corresponding to the volume of the filter member (400) needs to be secured on the upper portion of the front panel (11). However, when the operation unit (65), etc. are taken into consideration, it may be difficult to secure the volume of the filter member (400) or secure an opening for pulling out the filter member (400).

[0170] Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention forms a filter opening (402) in the top panel (14) for inserting or withdrawing the filter member (400), and inserts or withdraws the filter member (400) along the height direction (Z) of the cabinet (10) through the top panel (14), thereby increasing the volume of the filter member (400), so that the user can conveniently withdraw or reinsert the filter member (400) without structural interference in relation to the operation unit (65), etc.

[0171] Figure 7 illustrates a fixing part for fixing an air circulation part (100) in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0172] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air circulation unit (100) may be positioned above the tub (30) and fixed to the cabinet (10). To fix the air circulation unit (100), a fixing member coupled to the cabinet (10) and the air circulation unit (100) may be provided.

[0173] The fixing part may be provided in multiple numbers. For example, the fixing part may include a front fixing part (315) located in front of the air circulation part (100) and an upper fixing part (316) located above the air circulation part (100).

[0174] The above-mentioned fixed part can be combined with the mounting base (310) of the air treatment unit (300) provided in the air circulation unit (100). In one embodiment of the present invention, the load of the mounting base (310) on which a heat exchanger (210), a compressor (220), and a filter member (400) can be provided can be supported and fixed by the fixed part.

[0175] The front fixing member (315) can be coupled to the cabinet (10) at the front of the air circulation member (100). The front fixing member (315) can extend along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10) and can have a plate shape. The front fixing member (315) can be coupled to the front panel (11) or fixed by having both ends coupled to the side panel (13).

[0176] The air circulation unit (100) may be coupled to the front fixing unit (315). For example, the air circulation unit (100) may include a base coupling unit (319a) that protrudes forward from the mounting base (310). The base coupling unit (319a) may protrude forward from a filter chamber (320) or a heat exchange chamber (330) to be described later. The base coupling unit (319a) may be inserted into the front fixing unit (315).

[0177] The upper fixing member (316) can be coupled to the cabinet (10) from above the air circulation member (100). The upper fixing member (316) can extend along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10) and can have a plate shape. The upper fixing member (316) can be coupled to the top panel (14) or fixed by having both ends coupled to the side panel (13).

[0178] The air circulation unit (100) may be coupled to the upper fixing unit (316). For example, the air circulation unit (100) may include a base coupling unit (319b) that protrudes upward from the mounting base (310). The base coupling unit (319b) may protrude upward from the compressor chamber (340). The base coupling unit (319b) may be inserted into the upper fixing unit (316).

[0179] In addition, the air circulation unit (100) may be directly connected to the cabinet (10) excluding the above-described fixing unit. For example, the air circulation unit (100) may be connected at the front side by the front fixing unit (315), at the upper side by the upper fixing unit (316), and at the rear side by being directly connected to the rear panel (12) of the cabinet (10).

[0180] The air circulation unit (100) may include a base coupling unit (319c) that protrudes rearward from the mounting base (310). The base coupling unit (319c) may protrude rearward from the compressor chamber (340) and may be inserted into the rear panel (12).

[0181] One embodiment of the present invention can stably fix an air circulation unit (100) including a refrigerant circulation unit (200) to the upper part of a cabinet (10) through a plurality of base coupling parts (319a, 319b, 319c) and / or a plurality of fixing parts provided in the air circulation unit (100).

[0182] Meanwhile, FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the disassembled configuration of the air circulation unit (100) provided on the upper part of the cabinet (10).

[0183] Specifically, the air circulation unit (100) may include a circulation path (110) through which air circulates, and the circulation path (110) may include a first path (115) and a second path (116). The first path (115) may extend approximately along the front-rear direction (X-axis direction).

[0184] The above first flow path (115) may include an inlet (111) connected to a tub (30) through which air is introduced from the tub (30), and may include an inlet pipe (101) extending forward from the inlet (111). Air introduced through the inlet (111) may flow forward along the inlet pipe (101).

[0185] The inlet section (111) may be provided at one end of the inlet pipe (101), and the other end may be coupled to a mounting base (310). Accordingly, air flowing along the inlet pipe (101) may flow along the inside of the mounting base (310).

[0186] The mounting base (310) can form at least a portion of a second flow path (116) extending approximately along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10). Air flowing into the mounting base (310) through the inlet pipe (101) can flow along the interior of the mounting base (310) in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10).

[0187] The air treatment unit (300) described above can be defined by the above-mentioned mounting base (310). For example, a heat exchanger (210) for treating air can be mounted on the mounting base (310).

[0188] A heat exchanger (210) is provided on the circulation path (110) and is positioned in front of the inlet (111), and heat exchange between air and refrigerant can take place. The heat exchanger (210) may be a part of the refrigerant circulation unit (200) described above.

[0189] A plurality of heat exchangers (210) may be provided, and the plurality of heat exchangers (210) may include a first heat exchanger (211) and a second heat exchanger (212). One embodiment of the present invention may perform a dehumidifying process for removing moisture from air and / or a heating process for heating air through the plurality of heat exchangers (210).

[0190] Meanwhile, the filter member (400) described above may be positioned on one side of the cabinet (10) in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the mounting base (310), and the heat exchanger (210) may be positioned on the other side of the mounting base (310) in the width direction (Y-axis direction).

[0191] For example, the filter member (400) may be placed in front of the inlet pipe (101), and the heat exchanger (210) may be positioned on one side of the filter member (400) in the width direction (Y-axis direction). The space in which the filter member (400) is placed in the mounting base (310) may correspond to the connection portion of the first flow path (115) and the second flow path (116).

[0192] The filter member (400) and the heat exchanger (210) can be aligned along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10). Since the heat exchanger (210) is located downstream of the filter member (400) in the circulation path (110), air filtered of foreign substances through the filter member (400) can pass through the heat exchanger (210). The air passing through the heat exchanger (210) can be treated at a high temperature and dried and then flowed back into the tub (30).

[0193] The refrigerant circulation unit (200) may further include a compressor (220). The compressor (220) may be installed in a compressor chamber (340) provided in a mounting base (310). The compressor (220) is positioned above the tub (30), connected to the heat exchanger (210), and capable of compressing the refrigerant.

[0194] Meanwhile, Fig. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of the air circulation unit (100). Referring to Fig. 9, each component of the air circulation unit (100) is described in detail as follows.

[0195] The air circulation unit (100) may include an inlet pipe (101). The inlet pipe (101) may form at least a portion of the first flow path (115) of the circulation flow path (110). An inlet portion (111) connected to a tub (30) may be provided at one end of the inlet pipe (101), and the other end of the inlet pipe (101) may be connected to a mounting base (310).

[0196] The inlet pipe (101) can extend forward from the inlet portion (111). Air discharged from the tub (30) can be introduced into the inlet pipe (101) through the inlet portion (111), and air flowing along the inlet pipe (101) can be delivered to the mounting base (310).

[0197] The aforementioned filter member (400) and heat exchanger (210) can be mounted on the mounting base (310). The mounting base (310) can include a mounting space (311) in which the filter member (400) and heat exchanger (210) are mounted. The mounting space (311) can have an open upper surface.

[0198] The above-mentioned mounting space (311) can accommodate the filter member (400) and the heat exchanger (210). The above-mentioned mounting space (311) can include a filter mounting space (312) in which the filter member (400) is mounted and a heat exchanger mounting space (313) in which the heat exchanger (210) is mounted.

[0199] The mounting base (310) may include a filter chamber (320) in which a filter member (400) is mounted. The filter chamber (320) may include the filter mounting space (312). The filter member (400) may be provided inside the filter chamber (320).

[0200] The filter chamber (320) may correspond to the connection portion of the first flow path (115) and the second flow path (116) described above. The inlet pipe (101) and the filter chamber (320) may together form the first flow path (115). The filter chamber (320) may include a chamber inlet portion (321) to which the inlet pipe (101) is connected.

[0201] The chamber inlet (321) may be provided on one side of the filter chamber (320). The chamber inlet (321) may be provided on the rear side of the filter chamber (320). The filter chamber (320) may be located in front of the inlet pipe (101).

[0202] The filter member (400) provided in the filter mounting space (312) of the filter chamber (320) may have a filter space (401) formed therein in which air to be filtered is accommodated. The filter member (400) may have an inlet surface (410) provided on one surface facing the chamber inlet portion (321) for allowing air to be introduced into the filter space (401).

[0203] For example, the rear surface of the filter member (400) facing the chamber inlet (321) may be open to form the inlet surface (410). Air flowing into the filter chamber (320) through the chamber inlet (321) may be transferred to the filter space (401) inside the filter member (400) through the inlet surface (410) of the filter member (400).

[0204] The filter chamber (320) surrounds the filter space (401), and a filter surface (420) may be provided on at least some of the plurality of surfaces defining the filter space (401). Air in the filter space (401) passes through the filter surface (420), and foreign substances may be filtered out.

[0205] The mounting base (310) may include a heat exchange chamber (330) in which a heat exchanger (210) is mounted. The heat exchange chamber (330) may have a heat exchanger mounting space (313) defined therein, and may be positioned in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10) with respect to the filter chamber (320).

[0206] The filter chamber (320) and the heat exchange chamber (330) may together form at least a portion of the second flow path (116). The mounting space (311) may correspond to at least a portion of the second flow path (116) described above. The mounting space (311) may extend along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10).

[0207] The filter chamber (320) may be positioned on one side in the width direction (Y-axis direction) with respect to the heat exchange chamber (330), and the heat exchange chamber (330) may be positioned on the other side in the width direction (Y-axis direction) with respect to the filter chamber (320). The filter chamber (320) may include a chamber discharge portion (322) through which filtered air is discharged from the filter chamber (320).

[0208] Air discharged from the filter chamber (320) through the chamber discharge portion (322) of the filter chamber (320) can be introduced into the heat exchanger mounting space (313) of the heat exchange chamber (330). The mounting base (310) may be provided such that the filter chamber (320) and the heat exchange chamber (330) are separated from each other, or the filter chamber (320) and the heat exchange chamber (330) may be formed integrally.

[0209] In this case, the filter chamber (320) and the heat exchange chamber (330) may be connected to share one side with each other. For example, one side of the heat exchange chamber (330) may correspond to one side of the filter chamber (320).

[0210] The chamber discharge portion (322) may be provided on one surface shared by the filter chamber (320) and the heat exchange chamber (330). The chamber discharge portion (322) may be provided in the form of a hole on the one surface, or may be provided with the one surface open.

[0211] That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the filter chamber (320) and the heat exchange chamber (330) may be arranged to share an open surface with each other, and the open surface may correspond to the chamber discharge portion (322) of the filter chamber (320). Accordingly, air filtered through the filter member (400) may flow toward the heat exchanger (210) along the open surface.

[0212] The heat exchanger (210) may include a refrigerant tube (201) through which a refrigerant flows. The refrigerant tube (201) may come into contact with air passing through the heat exchanger (210), and heat exchange may occur between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant tube (201) and the air.

[0213] There may be a plurality of heat exchangers (210). The plurality of heat exchangers (210) may include the first heat exchanger (211) and the second heat exchanger (212) described above. The first heat exchanger (211) and the second heat exchanger (212) may be provided together in the heat exchange chamber (330). The filter chamber (320), the first heat exchanger (211), and the second heat exchanger (212) may be arranged along the width direction (Y-axis direction).

[0214] Air flowing into the heat exchange chamber (330) from the filter chamber (320) can pass through the first heat exchanger (211) and then the second heat exchanger (212). The first heat exchanger (211) can absorb heat from the air through the refrigerant, and the second heat exchanger (212) can supply heat to the air through the refrigerant.

[0215] Air passing through the first heat exchanger (211) may lose heat, causing moisture in the air to condense. This allows moisture in the air to be removed. In other words, a dehumidification process of the air may be performed through the first heat exchanger (211). A condensate discharge unit (332) may be provided in the mounting base (310) or the heat exchange chamber (330) to discharge condensate generated in the first heat exchanger (211).

[0216] The heat exchange chamber (330) may include a base discharge portion (314) through which air that has flowed in from the filter chamber (320) and passed through the heat exchanger (210) is discharged. The base discharge portion (314) may be provided on a surface opposite to a surface on which the chamber discharge portion (322) of the filter chamber (320) is provided. The base discharge portion (314) may be provided in the form of a hole on the opposite surface or may be provided with the opposite surface open.

[0217] The above base discharge unit (314) may be a means for discharging air from the mounting base (310). For example, air may be introduced into the mounting base (310) through the chamber inlet unit (321) of the filter chamber (320), and air may be discharged through the base discharge unit (314) of the heat exchange chamber (330).

[0218] Air flowing into the mounting base (310) can flow in along a first direction, and air exhausted from the mounting base (310) can flow in along a second direction. The first direction and the second direction can be arranged to intersect, and the first direction can be the front-back direction (X-axis direction) of the cabinet (10), and the second direction can be the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10).

[0219] The air circulation unit (100) may include an air fan (120) for circulating air. By operating the air fan (120), air in the circulation path (110) may flow. The air fan (120) may be coupled to the mounting base (310). The air fan (120) may form a second path (116) among the circulation paths (110) together with the mounting base (310).

[0220] The air fan (120) may be connected to the base discharge portion (314) of the mounting base (310). The air fan (120) may be coupled to the mounting base (310) and may be connected to the inside of the tub (30). The air fan (120) may connect the inside of the mounting base (310) and the inside of the tub (30). The air fan (120) may include an exhaust portion (112) coupled to the tub gasket (37). The exhaust portion (112) may be a means for discharging air from the air circulation portion (100).

[0221] Air discharged through the base discharge portion (314) of the mounting base (310) can be circulated by the air fan (120) and re-introduced into the tub (30). Air flowing along the circulation path (110) of the air circulation portion (100) can be introduced into the tub (30) by passing through the tub gasket (37) via the discharge portion (112) provided in the air fan (120).

[0222] Meanwhile, the air treatment unit (300) may include a heat exchange cover (331). The heat exchange cover (331) may be coupled to the mounting base (310) so as to cover a portion of the open upper surface of the mounting base (310).

[0223] A heat exchange cover (331) may be provided to cover the open upper surface of the heat exchange chamber (330). The heat exchange cover (331) may be positioned above the heat exchanger mounting space (313). The heat exchanger (210) may be positioned below the heat exchange cover (331).

[0224] The open upper surface of the heat exchange chamber (330) is covered by the heat exchange cover (331), and the open upper surface of the filter chamber (320) can be maintained in an open state. That is, the heat exchange cover (331) can be positioned to cover the upper surface of the heat exchange chamber (330) while the upper surface of the filter chamber (320) remains open.

[0225] In one embodiment of the present invention, the filter member (400) can be introduced into or withdrawn from the installation space (311) through the open upper surface of the installation base (310). The filter member (400) can be introduced into or withdrawn from the outside of the cabinet (10) through the open upper surface of the filter chamber (320).

[0226] The upper surface of the filter member (400) may correspond to the upper surface of the filter chamber (320). The filter member (400) may be drawn out or introduced into the outside of the cabinet (10) along the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the cabinet (10) through the filter opening (402) provided in the top panel (14) of the cabinet (10).

[0227] Meanwhile, the mounting base (310) may include a compressor chamber (340). The compressor chamber (340) is positioned behind the heat exchange chamber (330), and the compressor (220) may be mounted thereon. The compressor chamber (340) may be formed separately from the heat exchange chamber (330) and then joined, or the heat exchange chamber (330) and the compressor chamber (340) may be formed integrally.

[0228] The compressor chamber (340) may extend rearward from the heat exchange chamber (330). The compressor (220) may be installed in the compressor chamber (340) such that its length direction is approximately parallel to the ground. The compressor (220) compresses refrigerant, and the refrigerant, which is heated while being compressed, may be transferred to the heat exchanger (210).

[0229] For example, the refrigerant compressed through the compressor (220) becomes high temperature and high pressure and can be transferred to the second heat exchanger (212). Accordingly, the second heat exchanger (212) can transfer the heat of the high temperature refrigerant to the air to raise the temperature of the air.

[0230] The refrigerant of the second heat exchanger (212) can be transferred to the first heat exchanger (211) via the pressure regulator (230). The pressure regulator (230) connects the first heat exchanger (211) and the second heat exchanger (212) and can be provided to control the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0231] For example, the pressure regulator (230) can lower the temperature of the refrigerant or cause a phase change in the refrigerant by lowering the pressure of the refrigerant transmitted from the second heat exchanger (212). The refrigerant passing through the pressure regulator (230) can be transmitted to the first heat exchanger (211), and the first heat exchanger (211) can condense moisture in the air as the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air.

[0232] The compressor chamber (340) may be provided with a compressor fixing part (341) for fixing the compressor (220). The compressor fixing part (341) is installed in the compressor chamber (340) to fix the compressor (220) and suppress vibration, etc.

[0233] Additionally, the mounting base (310) may be equipped with a compressor cooling unit (342) for cooling the compressor (220). The compressor cooling unit (342) may cool the compressor (220) by providing unheated air to the compressor (220) using a fan.

[0234] The refrigerant circulation unit (200) includes the compressor (220), the first heat exchanger (211), the second heat exchanger (212), and the pressure regulator (230), and heating and cooling of the refrigerant can be performed through a refrigerant path through which the refrigerant circulates, and heating or cooling of the air can be performed through heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air.

[0235] Meanwhile, Fig. 10 shows an air circulation unit (100) located above the tub (30) with the cabinet (10) removed.

[0236] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air circulation unit (100) may be positioned above the tub (30) as a whole. In addition, the heat exchanger (210) and the compressor (220) and the refrigerant path through which the refrigerant circulates may be positioned above the tub (30) as a whole.

[0237] Various configurations may be arranged in the lower part of the space defined inside the cabinet (10). For example, a drainage part (50), a detergent supply part (90), and a tub support part (36) may be provided in the lower part of the cabinet (10).

[0238] In this way, various configurations can be arranged on the base panel (15), and therefore, the air circulation unit (100) that includes a refrigerant circulation unit (200) and circulates air by dehumidifying and heating it is arranged at the bottom of the cabinet (10), which can have a significant spatial limitation.

[0239] For example, when designing the air circulation unit (100) by taking into consideration the drainage unit (50) or the tub support unit (36) at the bottom of the cabinet (10), the size and capacity of the compressor (220) for compressing the refrigerant cannot help but be reduced, and the size and performance of the heat exchanger (210) for heat exchange with the air also cannot help but be reduced.

[0240] Furthermore, if the air circulation unit (100) is placed in the lower part of the cabinet (10) where a plurality of configurations are distributed, i.e., in the lower space of the tub (30), there is a high possibility that various configurations included in the air circulation unit (100) will be distributed, and accordingly, the air flow path as well as the refrigerant flow path may become complicated, which may have a negative effect on the air flow performance.

[0241] In addition, during the drying process, the air supplied into the tub (30) easily flows along the upper part of the tub (30) due to the high temperature, and furthermore, a water reservoir space for drainage is arranged at the lower part of the tub (30), which is disadvantageous for the flow of air, so it may be advantageous for the air to circulate through the upper part of the tub (30).

[0242] Therefore, placing the air circulation unit (100) including the refrigerant circulation unit (200) in the lower space of the cabinet (10) (the lower area of ​​the internal space of the cabinet) may be disadvantageous in terms of not only spatial constraints but also air flow, and accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the air circulation unit (100) including the refrigerant circulation unit (200) may be placed in the upper space of the cabinet (10) as a whole (the upper area of ​​the internal space of the cabinet).

[0243] For reference, if the compressor (220) in the refrigerant circulation unit (200) that is likely to generate vibration is placed in the lower space of the cabinet (10), it may be advantageous in reducing vibration. However, as described above, the garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be placed on the ground as well as above the additional treatment device (2), and in this case, even if the compressor (220) is placed in the lower space of the cabinet (10), the garment treatment device (1) has a predetermined height from the ground due to the additional treatment device (2), so the disadvantages (spatial constraints and deterioration of air flow) may be greater than the effect of reducing vibration.

[0244] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, even if the compressor (220) is placed above the tub (30), the mounting base (310) is provided with a compressor chamber (340), a compressor fixing part (341), etc. to stably fix the compressor (220), thereby strengthening the fixing force of the compressor (220) and minimizing vibration caused by the compressor (220).

[0245] For reference, a case in which a part of the air circulation unit (100) is placed above the tub (30) and the remainder is placed below the tub (30), for example, an air circulation path (110) is positioned above the tub (30) while a refrigerant circulation unit (200), for example, a compressor (220) or a heat exchanger (210), is placed below the tub (30) may be considered.

[0246] However, in this case, the air circulation path (110) ultimately needs to pass through at least a portion of the refrigerant circulation part (200), for example, the heat exchanger (210), which results in an increase in the length of the refrigerant path or an increase in the length of the air circulation path (110), which is inefficient in terms of air flow and refrigerant flow, and may rather result in unnecessary space consumption inside the cabinet (10).

[0247] In one embodiment of the present invention, since the air circulation unit (100) including the refrigerant circulation unit (200) is arranged above the tub (30) as a whole, the space inside the cabinet (10) can be efficiently used, and it can be advantageous in terms of the flow of air and the flow of refrigerant.

[0248] Meanwhile, FIG. 11 illustrates a detergent being delivered to the aforementioned additional treatment device (2) through the detergent supply unit (90) of the clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0249] In one embodiment of the present invention, the detergent supply unit (90) is positioned below the tub (30) and is connected to the tub (30) to supply detergent into the tub (30). Meanwhile, the cabinet (10) of the garment treatment device (1) may be placed above the additional cabinet (3) of the additional treatment device (2).

[0250] In this case, the detergent supply unit (90) may be arranged to deliver detergent to the additional detergent unit (6) of the additional treatment device (2) through the base panel (15). The additional treatment device (2) may be provided with a drawer (5) in which an additional drum (4) and an additional detergent unit (6) are installed, which may be introduced into the additional cabinet (3), and the detergent supply unit (90) may be arranged to supply detergent to the additional detergent unit (6) when the drawer (5) is introduced.

[0251] That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, since the detergent supply unit (90) is positioned below the tub (30), detergent can be supplied to the additional treatment device (2) through the detergent supply unit (90) even if the user does not separately supply detergent to the additional detergent unit (6) of the additional treatment device (2).

[0252] However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above. For example, the detergent supply unit (90) may be arranged so as not to deliver detergent to the additional processing device (2) even if it is placed below the tub (30), and the detergent supply unit (90) may be positioned above the tub (30) and positioned in the upper space of the cabinet (10) together with the air circulation unit (100).

[0253] Meanwhile, Fig. 12 shows the direction in which air flows in the air circulation unit (100) indicated by arrows.

[0254] As described above, during the drying process, it may be advantageous for the air inside the tub (30) to be introduced or discharged through the upper part of the tub (30) due to the influence of high temperature and the geometrical characteristics of the inside of the tub (30).

[0255] In addition, as described above, in the process of air being introduced into the tub (30), the peripheral surface of the drum (20) may impede the flow of air flowing into the drum (20), and therefore, it may be advantageous for at least the air introduced into the tub (30) to be introduced into the tub (30) through the tub opening (31) formed on the front of the tub (30).

[0256] In one embodiment of the present invention, the inlet (111) through which air from the tub (30) of the air circulation unit (100) is introduced into the circulation path (110) may be located at the upper portion of the tub (30). For example, the inlet (111) may be provided so that air is introduced through the peripheral surface (35) of the tub (30) along the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the cabinet (10).

[0257] The above inlet (111) may be positioned at the rear side of the tub (30). For example, the above inlet (111) may be provided in the rear split tub (33) among the tubs (30). The air inside the tub (30) may be discharged from the tub (30) at the rear side of the tub (30).

[0258] The inlet pipe (101) of the air circulation unit (100) includes the inlet portion (111) and can extend forward from the inlet portion (111). However, the extension direction of the inlet pipe (101) does not necessarily have to match the front-back direction (X-axis direction) of the cabinet (10), and, if necessary, the extension direction of the inlet pipe (101) can be formed to be inclined with respect to the front-back direction (X-axis direction).

[0259] The inlet pipe (101) is provided with the inlet section (111) at one end, and the other end of the inlet pipe (101) may be positioned in front of the inlet section (111) and may be coupled to a mounting base (310). A portion of the space within the inlet pipe (101) and the mounting base (310) may form a first flow path (115).

[0260] Air discharged from the tub (30) can flow from the rear side to the front side of the tub (30) along the first flow path (115).

[0261] Meanwhile, the air circulation unit (100) may include various configurations such as an inlet unit (111) through which air is introduced, an outlet unit (112) through which air is discharged, a path for air to flow, and a heat exchanger (210) for controlling the temperature of the air.

[0262] Accordingly, designing the air circulation unit (100) to be approximately parallel to the front-back direction (X-axis direction) of the cabinet (10) like the first flow path (115) may be disadvantageous when considering the front-back direction (X-axis direction) length of the cabinet (10).

[0263] In consideration of this, the air circulation unit (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention forms a first flow path (115) extending approximately along the front-back direction (X-axis direction) of the cabinet (10) and a second flow path (116) extending in a different extension direction from the first flow path (115), for example, approximately along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10), thereby efficiently utilizing the limited space above the tub (30).

[0264] In the circulation path (110) of the air circulation unit (100) corresponding to the air flow path, the first flow path (115) may extend approximately along the front-back direction (X-axis direction) of the cabinet (10), and the second flow path (116) may extend approximately along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10). That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the circulation path (110) may be formed to be bent at the front side of the cabinet (10).

[0265] At least a portion of the above second flow path (116) may be formed by a space formed inside the mounting base (310). Air flowing into the mounting base (310) may flow approximately in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10) along the space formed inside the mounting base (310).

[0266] Air discharged from the mounting base (310) can flow toward the inside of the tub (30) by the air fan (120). A tub gasket (37) sealing between the clothing inlet (16) and the tub opening (31) is provided inside the cabinet (10), and the discharge portion (112) of the circulation path (110) can be connected to the tub gasket (37).

[0267] The above discharge portion (112) may be defined by the air fan (120). One side of the air fan (120) may be coupled to the mounting base (310), and the other side of the air fan (120) may be coupled to the tub gasket (37). The other side of the air fan (120) may correspond to the discharge portion (112) of the circulation path (110).

[0268] As illustrated in Fig. 13, when a straight line passing through the center of the tub (30) and parallel to the front-back direction (X-axis direction) of the cabinet (10) is defined as the front-back center line (XL), the discharge portion (112) of the circulation path (110) provided in the air fan (120) can be spaced apart in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10) with respect to the front-back center line (XL).

[0269] For example, a water supply pipe (42) for supplying water into the inside of the tub (30) may be connected or other configurations may be arranged in the area adjacent to the front-rear center line (XL) in the upper part of the tub gasket (37).

[0270] Accordingly, the exhaust part (112) of the air fan (120) can be coupled to the tub gasket (37) at a position spaced apart from the top of the tub gasket (37) in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10).

[0271] A clothing treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the filter member (400) described above, and the filter member (400) is positioned between the inlet (111) and the heat exchanger (210) in the circulation path (110) to filter foreign substances in the air.

[0272] The filter member (400) may be positioned in front of the inlet (111). Accordingly, the inlet (111) for introducing air among the air circulation units (100) may be positioned at the rear side of the tub (30), and air at the rear side of the tub (30) may be discharged and introduced back into the front side of the tub (30).

[0273] In addition, the filter member (400) requires maintenance by the user due to its functional characteristics. For example, the user needs to wash the filter member (400) or remove foreign substances captured in the filter member (400).

[0274] That is, accessibility to the filter member (400) may be an important issue for the user. In one embodiment of the present invention, the filter member (400) is arranged on the front side, thereby allowing the user to conveniently manage the filter member (400).

[0275] Meanwhile, the filter member (400) may have a three-dimensional shape having volume and may include a filter space (401) therein. The filter member (400) may have various shapes as needed, such as a rectangle or a cylinder.

[0276] Even if the filter member (400) having a predetermined volume as above is placed on the front side from above the tub (30) for ease of use, it may be difficult to insert and remove it through the front panel (11).

[0277] For example, the control panel described above may be placed on the upper part of the front panel (11) for ease of use, and therefore, when the filter member (400) placed on the rear of the control panel includes a filter space (401) and has a plurality of filter surfaces (420) according to one embodiment of the present invention, it may be difficult to form a hole or the like having a size corresponding to the filter member (400) on the upper part of the front panel (11).

[0278] The operating unit (65) may include the control panel, be provided on the front of the cabinet (10), and be operated by a user to generate a user command signal. The operating unit (65) may be positioned approximately at the upper center of the front panel (11). The operating unit (65) may be positioned in front of the filter member (400).

[0279] Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the filter member (400) has a three-dimensional shape having a filter space (401) and at least one filter surface (420), and is introduced or withdrawn into the circulation path (110) through the upper surface of the cabinet (10), so that the introduction and withdrawal of the filter member (400) can be conveniently performed.

[0280] The above filter member (400) can be aligned along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the heat exchanger (210) and the cabinet (10). The air of the circulation path (110) can flow along the width direction (Y) so as to sequentially pass through the filter member (400) and the heat exchanger (210).

[0281] That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger (210) can also be placed on the front side of the cabinet (10) so that the filter member (400) can be placed on the front side of the cabinet (10). Based on the flow of air, the filter member (400) can be positioned on the upstream side of the heat exchanger (210), and accordingly, the filter member (400) and the heat exchanger (210) can be aligned along the width direction (Y-axis direction).

[0282] The compressor (220) described above is positioned above the tub (30), is connected to the heat exchanger (210), and can compress the refrigerant. The compressor (220) may be a vibrating body that generates vibrations, and therefore, arranging the compressor (220) at the front side inside the cabinet (10) may be detrimental to suppressing vibrations transmitted to the user.

[0283] Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the compressor (220) may be placed in the rear region of the internal space of the cabinet (10), and the heat exchanger (210) and the filter member (400) may be placed in front of the compressor (220).

[0284] The circulation path (110) of the air circulation unit (100) may include a first path (115) and a second path (116), and the first path (115) may extend forward from the inlet (111), and the second path (116) may extend from the first path (115) along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10).

[0285] The first flow path (115) may be positioned on one side of the cabinet (10) in the width direction (Y-axis direction) with respect to the compressor (220). The second flow path (116) may be positioned in front of the compressor (220). A rear panel (12) may be arranged at the rear of the compressor (220), the first flow path (115) may be positioned on one side in the width direction (Y-axis direction), the side panel (13) may be positioned on the other side in the width direction (Y-axis direction), and the second flow path (116) may be positioned in front.

[0286] The inlet (111) of the circulation path (110) may be located on one side of the cabinet (10) in the width direction (Y-axis direction) with respect to the compressor (220). The inlet (111) may be positioned rearward of the front end of the compressor (220).

[0287] The filter member (400) may be positioned in front of the compressor (220). The filter member (400) may be positioned in front of the inlet (111) and may be positioned in front of the compressor (220).

[0288] Accordingly, the filter member (400) can be positioned at the front inside the cabinet (10), thereby improving usability, and the compressor (220) can be positioned at the rear to minimize vibrations and the like being transmitted to the user. The rear end of the filter member (400) can be positioned forward of the front end of the compressor (220).

[0289] Meanwhile, when a straight line passing through the center of the tub (30) and parallel to the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10) is defined as the width direction center line (YL), the filter member (400) may be positioned forward of the width direction center line (YL). The rear end of the filter member (400) may be positioned forward of the width direction center line (YL). In addition, the center of the filter member (400) may be positioned forward of the width direction center line (YL).

[0290] The inlet (111) of the above circulation path (110) may be provided above the rear split tub (33) among the tubs (30). That is, the inlet (111) is coupled to the rear split tub (33), so that air existing in the rear split tub (33) can be discharged from the tub (30) toward the air circulation unit (100).

[0291] The above filter member (400) may be provided above the front split tub (32). For example, the filter chamber (320) into which the filter member (400) is inserted may be positioned above the front split tub (32). The heat exchange chamber (330) may also be positioned above the front split tub (32).

[0292] The heat exchanger (210) may be provided above the front split tub (32). The compressor (220) may be provided above the rear split tub (33). The heat exchanger (210) may be positioned in front of the compressor (220).

[0293] The above filter member (400) may be positioned forward of the joining line (34) formed by the joining of the front split tub (32) and the rear split tub (33). The rear end of the filter member (400) may be positioned forward of the joining line (34).

[0294] The above filter member (400) can be introduced into or withdrawn from the circulation path (110) through the filter opening (402) of the top panel (14) located in front of the connecting line (34).

[0295] The above-described front-rear center line (XL) may be positioned to cross the filter member (400). That is, a portion of the filter member (400) may be positioned along the front-rear center line (XL). By positioning the filter member (400) approximately at the center of the top panel (14), unnecessary length increases in the circulation path (110) can be prevented, and usability can be improved.

[0296] The above-mentioned front-back center line (XL) may be positioned to cross the inlet (111). The inlet (111) may be positioned at the rear of the filter member (400) and may be positioned on the front-back center line (XL) together with the filter member (400).

[0297] The filter member (400) may be positioned in front of the inlet pipe (101) of the air circulation unit (100). The filter member (400) may be positioned in front of the compressor (220) or the pressure regulator (230) of the refrigerant circulation unit (200). The filter member (400), the heat exchanger (210), and the air fan (120) may be arranged approximately along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10).

[0298] The air circulation unit (100) may be arranged to be biased toward one or the other side in the width direction (Y-axis direction) in the upper space of the cabinet (10) as a whole. For example, a space may be secured on one side of the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the air circulation unit (100) in the upper space of the cabinet (10) located above the tub (30) where other components other than the air circulation unit (100) can be arranged.

[0299] That is, the upper space of the cabinet (10) located above the tub (30) may be equipped with various configurations excluding the air circulation unit (100). For example, the garment treatment device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a steam generating unit (80).

[0300] The steam generating unit (80) is positioned above the tub (30), and is positioned on one side of the cabinet (10) in the width direction (Y-axis direction) with respect to the circulation path (110), and can generate steam. The steam generating unit (80) can be provided to generate steam to be provided inside the tub (30) during a washing process or a drying process.

[0301] The steam generating unit (80) may be positioned on one side in the width direction (Y-axis direction) with respect to the air circulation unit (100). The filter member (400) may be positioned in front of the steam generating unit (80). That is, the steam generating unit (80) may be positioned in the rear of the filter member (400).

[0302] Meanwhile, the clothing treatment device (1) may further include a control module (70). The control module (70) is located above the tub (30), and is located on one side of the cabinet (10) in the width direction (Y-axis direction) with respect to the circulation path (110), and may control the air circulation unit (100).

[0303] The control module (70) may be configured to control various configurations and may include a control board for controlling the various configurations. For example, the control module (70) may be signal-connected to at least one of the aforementioned steam generator (80), compressor (220), air fan (120), operating unit (65), and driving unit (60) to issue a control command.

[0304] The control module (70) may be positioned on one side of the width direction (Y-axis direction) with respect to the air circulation unit (100). The control module (70) may be positioned on one side of the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10) with respect to the filter member (400). The control module (70) may be positioned in front of the steam generating unit (80) described above.

[0305] Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, the inlet (111) may be provided so that air is introduced from the rear side of the tub (30). However, the inlet (111) is not necessarily positioned at the rear of the filter member (400), and the position of the inlet (111) may be changed along the width direction (Y-axis direction) as needed.

[0306] Meanwhile, FIG. 14 illustrates a filter member (400) that is pulled out from the inside of the cabinet (10) through the top panel (14) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0307] The top panel (14) may be provided with a filter opening (402) into which the filter member (400) is inserted. The filter opening (402) may be positioned above the filter chamber (320). The filter opening (402) may be provided to correspond to the open upper surface of the filter chamber (320).

[0308] When the filter member (400) is inserted into the filter chamber (320), the upper surface of the filter member (400) may correspond to the upper surface that closes the filter chamber (320) and may form the upper surface of the cabinet (10) together with the top panel (14).

[0309] That is, the upper surface of the filter member (400) can form a part of the upper surface of the cabinet (10) and can be positioned on the same plane as the top panel (14). This allows for a sense of unity in appearance to be provided to the user even when a filter opening (402) is formed in the top panel (14).

[0310] One embodiment of the present invention can increase the volume of the filter member (400) to improve air flow, filter performance, and foreign substance capture capacity, and further, by withdrawing or introducing the filter member (400) in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the cabinet (10) through the filter opening (402) located on the front side of the top panel (14), the filter opening (402) can be conveniently withdrawn and introduced while being positioned on the front side regardless of the operation unit (65) of the front panel (11).

[0311] Meanwhile, Fig. 15 illustrates a filter member (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15a is a perspective view of the filter member (400) as viewed from the rear side, and Fig. 15b is a perspective view of the filter member (400) as viewed from the front side.

[0312] Referring to FIG. 15, a filter member (400) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the aforementioned filter space (401). The air flowing into the filter space (401) may be air flowing into the filter chamber (320) through the chamber inlet (321) of the filter chamber (320). That is, the air flowing into the filter space (401) may be air before filtering.

[0313] The filter member (400) may have a three-dimensional shape with multiple faces. For example, the filter member (400) may correspond to a hexahedron, and the filter space (401) may be defined inside the hexahedron.

[0314] At least one surface of the filter member (400) may form a filter surface (420) through which air in the filter space (401) passes toward the outside of the filter member (400) and is filtered. That is, at least one surface among the plurality of surfaces present in the filter member (400) may include a filter surface (420) through which air passes.

[0315] Air contained in the filter space (401) of the filter member (400) can flow to the outside of the filter member (400) by passing through the filter surface (420). In this process, foreign substances in the air can be filtered by the filter surface (420), and the foreign substances filtered by the filter surface (420) can remain in the filter space (401) while the air can flow along the circulation path (110).

[0316] In one embodiment of the present invention, the filter member (400) may have at least two filter surfaces (420). That is, the filter member (400) may have the filter surfaces (420) formed on at least two surfaces.

[0317] Specifically, the upper surface of the filter member (400) may be exposed to the outside of the cabinet (10) through the filter opening (402) of the top panel (14) as described above. The upper surface of the filter member (400) may correspond to the cover surface (440) for the filter chamber (320).

[0318] The above cover surface (440) may form the upper surface of the cabinet (10) together with the top panel (14), and may be provided with a handle portion (441) for the user to hold. The handle portion (441) may include a groove into which the user can put his or her hand and hang it.

[0319] An inlet surface (410) for allowing air to flow into the filter space (401) may be formed on the rear surface of the filter member (400). That is, the rear surface of the filter member (400) may be an inlet surface (410) through which air flows from the outside of the filter member (400) into the inside of the filter member (400).

[0320] The above inlet surface (410) may be formed by forming a hole in the rear surface of the filter member (400) or by forming the rear surface as a whole by opening it. The inlet surface (410) may face the filter inlet portion (111) into which air is introduced among the filter chambers (320). Accordingly, air delivered to the filter inlet portion (111) along the inlet pipe (101) may be introduced into the interior of the filter space (401) through the inlet surface (410).

[0321] The filter member (400) may have a plurality of filter surfaces (420) as described above. The filter surface (420) may include a mesh portion for filtering out foreign substances and allowing air to pass through, and a frame portion for maintaining the shape of the mesh portion and ensuring rigidity.

[0322] The lower surface of the filter member (400) may correspond to the first filter surface (421) among the plurality of filter surfaces (420). The air in the filter space (401) may pass through the first filter surface (421) corresponding to the lower surface of the filter member (400) and flow toward the chamber discharge portion (322) of the filter chamber (320) described above.

[0323] One of the two sides of the filter member (400) may correspond to the second filter side (422) among the plurality of filter sides (420). The second filter side (422) may be a side facing the chamber discharge portion (322) of the filter chamber (320). The filter member (400) may be arranged such that the second filter side (422) faces the heat exchanger (210). The second filter side (422) may face the heat exchanger (210), and air may pass through and be filtered.

[0324] The air in the filter space (401) can pass through the second filter surface (422) and flow toward the filter discharge portion (112) facing the second filter surface (422). The filter element (400) can effectively increase the filter surface (420) area by allowing the air existing in the filter space (401) to flow through the first filter surface (421) and the second filter surface (422).

[0325] Among the two sides of the filter member (400), the other side may correspond to the third filter side (423) among the plurality of filter sides (420). The third filter side (423) may be the opposite side of the second filter side (422). The third filter side (423) may be a side of the filter member (400) facing in the width direction (Y-axis direction).

[0326] The filter member (400) may have at least one filter surface (420) among the first filter surface (421), the second filter surface (422), and the third filter surface (423). Each filter surface (420) may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the filter chamber (320) to secure a space through which air flows.

[0327] The space between the inner surface of the filter chamber (320) and the filter member (400) can be communicated with the chamber discharge portion (322) of the filter chamber (320). Accordingly, air filtered through the plurality of filter surfaces (420) can be transferred to the heat exchange chamber (330), and the filter member (400) can effectively increase the filter surface area (420) through the plurality of filter surfaces (420).

[0328] Meanwhile, the front surface of the filter member (400) may correspond to a fixing surface (430) that is detachably fixed to the filter chamber (320). The fixing surface (430) may be detachably coupled to one surface facing the inner surface of the filter chamber (320) to fix the filter member (400).

[0329] The method by which the fixed surface (430) is fixed to the filter chamber (320) may vary. For example, the fixed surface (430) may be maintained in a state of being hung on the filter chamber (320) by means of a hook, a protrusion, etc. The user may separate the filter member (400) by lifting the filter member (400) upward so that the fixed surface (430) is separated from the filter chamber (320).

[0330] FIG. 16 illustrates a process of separating a filter member (400) from a cabinet (10). FIG. 16a illustrates a filter member (400) that is fully coupled to a filter chamber (320), FIG. 16b illustrates a state in which the front side of the filter member (400) of FIG. 16a is separated from the filter chamber (320), and FIG. 16c illustrates a state in which the rear side of the filter member (400) of FIG. 16b is separated from the filter chamber (320).

[0331] Referring to Fig. 16, in the process of separating the filter member (400) from the filter chamber (320), either the front or the rear may be separated first and then the remainder may be separated. The filter member (400) may be separated first at the front and then at the rear.

[0332] In this case, the front side of the filter member (400) facing the user is separated first, so that the user can conveniently separate it. Specifically, when the filter member (400) is inserted into the filter chamber (320) and the upper surface (cover surface, 440) is exposed to the outside, the user can pull the filter member (400) out of the filter chamber (320) by holding the handle portion (441) provided on the cover surface (440) and lifting it upward.

[0333] The above handle portion (441) can be placed on the front side of the cover surface (440) so that the user can easily lift the front of the filter member (400).

[0334] As the front portion of the filter member (400) is lifted, the fixed surface (430) of the filter member (400) can be separated from the filter chamber (320).

[0335] In a state where the fixed surface (430) of the above filter member (400) is positioned above the outside of the filter chamber (320), for example, the filter opening (402), the user can separate the entire filter member (400) from the filter chamber (320) or separate only a portion of the filter member (400) from the filter chamber (320).

[0336] For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the filter member (400) may include a filter frame (405) in addition to the cover surface (440) described above. The filter frame (405) may correspond to the main body of the filter member (400), and the filter frame (405) may be provided with the filter space (401) described above and a plurality of filter surfaces (420).

[0337] The filter frame (405) may be provided in a form in which the upper surface is open, and the cover surface (440) may be coupled to the filter frame (405) so that the open upper surface of the filter frame (405) is closed.

[0338] The cover surface (440) can be detachably coupled to the filter frame (405). For example, the filter frame (405) can be configured to move forward from the cover surface (440) and be detached from the cover surface (440).

[0339] In this case, the user can remove foreign substances captured in the filter space (401) through the open upper surface of the filter frame (405) by moving the filter frame (405) forward from the cover surface (440) while at least a portion of the cover surface (440) is still positioned on the filter opening (402) side.

[0340] Fig. 17 illustrates a fixing projection (404) provided on a filter member (400) in the above clothing treatment device (1).

[0341] Specifically, as described above, the filter member (400) can be separated from the filter chamber (320) at the front side facing the user first, and then the rear side can be separated from the filter chamber (320), and a fixing protrusion (404) that suppresses the filter member (400) from being pulled out of the cabinet (10) can be provided at the rear end of the filter member (400).

[0342] The above-mentioned fixing protrusion (404) may be provided on the filter frame (405) or the cover surface (440). When the fixing protrusion (404) is formed to protrude rearward from the rear end of the cover surface (440) as shown in Fig. 17, a hole or groove may be provided in the top panel (14) for inserting the fixing protrusion (404).

[0343] For example, the top panel (14) may include an opening perimeter (403) that surrounds the filter opening (402), and the fixing projection (404) of the filter member (400) may be inserted into a hole or groove provided in the opening perimeter (403).

[0344] The above-mentioned fixing protrusion (404) may be provided to allow rotation of the filter member (400) centered on the fixing protrusion (404). Accordingly, a user can lift the front side of the filter member (400) to rotate the filter member (400) centered on the fixing protrusion (404).

[0345] When the filter member (400) is rotated and the front surface of the filter member (400) is completely exposed to the outside of the filter opening (402), the user can separate the fixing protrusion (404) from the opening periphery (403) by moving the filter member (400) forward. Alternatively, the user can move only the filter frame (405) of the filter member (400) forward to expose the filter space (401) of the filter member (400) to the outside.

[0346] FIG. 18 illustrates a filter member (400) placed outside of a cabinet (10) being inserted into a filter chamber (320).

[0347] As described above, the chamber inlet (321) of the filter chamber (320) may be provided on the rear side of the filter chamber (320). The inlet surface (410) may correspond to the rear side of the filter member (400).

[0348] In the process of introducing the filter member (400), first, the filter member (400) can be inserted into the groove or hole of the opening circumference (403) described above by the fixing protrusion (404) provided on the inflow surface (410) side. In the process of inserting the fixing protrusion (404) into the groove or hole, the inflow surface (410) of the filter member (400) can be sufficiently moved into the filter chamber (320).

[0349] After this, the user can insert the fixed surface (430) of the filter member (400) into the filter chamber (320) by moving it downward around the fixed protrusion (404).

[0350] FIG. 19 illustrates a process in which a fixed surface (430) is coupled to the inner surface of a filter chamber (320) in one embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the front surface of the filter member (400) may form a fixed surface (430) that is releasably fixed to the filter chamber (320). That is, the surface of the filter member (400) facing the inlet surface (410) may form a fixed surface (430) that is fixed to the filter chamber (320).

[0351] As shown in Fig. 19a, during the insertion process of the filter member (400), the fixed surface (430) moves downward, and the filter protrusion (433) provided on the fixed surface (430) can move to face the front of the inner surface of the filter chamber (320).

[0352] The above filter protrusion (433) may protrude forward from the fixing surface (430). Meanwhile, a protrusion receiving portion (432) may be provided on the front side of the inner surface of the filter chamber (320) to receive at least a portion of the filter protrusion (433) and be fixed so as to be detachable.

[0353] The above protrusion receiving portion (432) may be provided in the shape of a recessed groove that is recessed away from the filter protrusion portion (433). The filter protrusion portion (433) may be fixed by having at least a front end inserted into the protrusion receiving portion (432).

[0354] Fig. 19b illustrates a state in which the filter protrusion (433) is accommodated in the protrusion receiving portion (432). A chamber protrusion (431) protruding toward the filter member (400) may be provided on the front side of the inner surface of the filter chamber (320) to strengthen the bonding strength with the filter member (400).

[0355] The above protrusion receiving portion (432) may be provided on the chamber protrusion portion (431). Accordingly, the fixing force of the filter member (400) may be strengthened by the force of the chamber protrusion portion (431) of the filter chamber (320) and the filter protrusion portion (433) of the filter member (400) pushing each other.

[0356] Meanwhile, a cover mounting portion (443) may be provided on the upper portion of the front surface of the filter member (400) to which the front end of the cover surface (440) of the filter member (400) is mounted. For example, the cover surface (440) of the filter member (400) may include a forward extension portion (442). The forward extension portion (442) may correspond to the front end of the cover surface (440) and may be provided to protrude forward from the filter frame (405).

[0357] In a state where the above filter member (400) is completely connected to the filter chamber (320), the front extension (442) of the cover surface (440) can be seated on the cover mounting portion (443) located above the filter chamber (320).

[0358] The cover mounting portion (443) may be provided with a mounting sealer (444) to prevent air leakage between the cover surface (440) and the filter chamber (320). In this case, the front extension portion (442) of the cover surface (440) may be positioned on the mounting sealer (444) and may be mounted on the cover mounting portion (443) via the mounting sealer (444).

[0359] Meanwhile, FIG. 20 illustrates a filter sealer (450) provided in a filter member (400) or filter chamber (320).

[0360] A filter sealer (450) may be provided between the inlet surface (410) of the filter member (400) and the chamber inlet portion (321) of the filter chamber (320) to prevent air leakage. The filter sealer (450) may also be provided in the chamber inlet portion (321).

[0361] The filter sealer (450) may be provided to surround the inlet surface (410) of the filter member (400) and / or the opening of the chamber inlet portion (321) to prevent air from leaking between the inlet surface (410) and the chamber inlet portion (321).

[0362] Meanwhile, Fig. 21 illustrates the flow of air inside the filter chamber (320). In Fig. 21, the direction of air flow is indicated by an arrow.

[0363] In one embodiment of the present invention, the clothing treatment device (1) may include a filter unit (350), and the filter unit (350) may include the filter chamber (320) provided in the air circulation unit (100) and the filter member (400) provided in the filter chamber (320) to filter foreign substances in the air.

[0364] The above filter chamber (320) may include the chamber inlet (321) and the chamber discharge (322). The chamber inlet (321) may allow air to be introduced along a first direction, and the chamber discharge (322) may allow air to be discharged along a second direction crossing the first direction.

[0365] The first direction and the second direction may vary. For example, as described above, the first direction may be parallel to the front-back direction (X-axis direction) of the cabinet (10) due to the positions of the inlet pipe (101) and the chamber inlet portion (321), and the second direction may be parallel to the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10) due to the position of the chamber discharge portion (322).

[0366] Accordingly, the air flow direction can change inside the filter chamber (320). For example, the air flow direction can change from the first direction to the second direction. The air flow direction can change from the front-back direction of the cabinet (10) to the width direction.

[0367] Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the inlet surface (410) of the filter member (400) is provided to introduce air into the filter space (401) along the first direction, the first filter surface (421) is provided to be connected to the inlet surface (410) and to face the chamber discharge portion (322), and the second filter surface (422) may be provided to form the lower surface or one side surface of the filter member (400) described above. Accordingly, the air of the filter space (401) can move along the second direction through the first filter surface (421) and the second filter surface (422).

[0368] Fig. 22 shows a cross-section of the filter unit (350) as viewed in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10). Fig. 22 shows the flow of air discharged through the second filter surface (422) as indicated by arrows.

[0369] As described above, when the direction of air flow changes inside the filter chamber (320), the air may experience uneven flow across the flow cross-section as centrifugal force is applied according to the change in the direction of flow.

[0370] For example, when explaining the change in the direction of air flow inside the filter chamber (320) as a curved movement of the air, a phenomenon may occur in which the flow rate of air increases as centrifugal force acts as it moves away from the center of the curve.

[0371] In other words, the air flow rate inside the filter chamber (320) may increase the farther away it is from the chamber inlet (321). In Fig. 22, the difference in air flow rate according to the distance from the chamber inlet (321) is indicated by the difference in the size of the arrows. This air density phenomenon may increase as the angle of change in the air flow direction increases.

[0372] In this way, if the flow rate uniformity is low in the air flow cross-section defined at an arbitrary point, it is difficult to significantly increase the air flow rate even if the air flow cross-section area is increased.

[0373] Meanwhile, FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which the inner surface of the filter chamber (320) is extended in an inclined manner.

[0374] In one embodiment of the present invention, in order to suppress the occurrence of flow rate unevenness due to a change in the flow direction of air as described above, the lower surface of the filter chamber (320) or the lower surface of the filter member (400) can be extended in an inclined manner.

[0375] Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the surface of the filter chamber (320) facing the second filter surface (422) and the second filter surface (422) may decrease as it gets farther from the inlet surface (410).

[0376] Here, the second filter surface (422) is a filter surface (420) extending from the inlet surface (410) along the first direction, and is not significantly different from the third filter surface (423) described above, if necessary.

[0377] As described above, in the process of changing the direction of air flow from the first direction to the second direction, the air flow rate may increase as it moves away from the inlet surface (410) due to centrifugal force, etc.

[0378] In consideration of this, one embodiment of the present invention can improve the uniformity of air flow rate for the second filter surface (422) along the first direction by relatively increasing the air flow resistance as it gets farther away from the inlet surface (410) based on the second filter surface (422).

[0379] In order to control the above air resistance, one embodiment of the present invention can control the distance between the second filter surface (422) or one surface of the filter chamber (320) facing the second filter surface (422).

[0380] The distance between the filter surface (420) and the inner surface of the filter chamber (320) can correspond to the air flow resistance for the filter surface (420). That is, as the distance between the filter surface (420) and the inner surface of the filter chamber (320) increases, the air flow resistance in the corresponding area decreases, and as the distance between the filter surface (420) and the inner surface of the filter chamber (320) decreases, the air flow resistance in the corresponding area can increase.

[0381] Accordingly, the closer the filter member (400) is to the inlet surface (410), the greater the distance between the second filter surface (422) and the one surface of the filter chamber (320), and the farther the filter member (400) is to the inlet surface (410), the less the distance between the second filter surface (422) and the one surface of the filter chamber (320), thereby suppressing the concentration of the air flow rate in an area of ​​the second filter surface (422) located farther from the inlet surface (410) and increasing the unevenness of the flow rate.

[0382] In one embodiment of the present invention, the one side of the filter chamber (320) facing the second filter surface (422) may extend obliquely with respect to the second filter surface (422). The one side may extend obliquely along the first direction. The one side may extend obliquely so that the farther away from the inlet surface (410) of the filter member (400) along the first direction, the closer it becomes to the second filter surface (422).

[0383] The first filter surface (421) and the second filter surface (422) can extend from the inlet surface (410) along the first direction, and the second filter surface (422) can be connected to the inlet surface (410) and the first filter surface (421).

[0384] For example, the second filter surface (422) may face the bottom surface (325) of the filter chamber (320). The second filter surface (422) may be the lower surface of the filter member (400). The bottom surface (325) of the filter chamber (320) may extend in an inclined manner so that the distance from the second filter surface (422) decreases as it gets farther away from the inlet surface (410).

[0385] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, one surface of the filter chamber (320) may be approximately parallel to the ground, but the second filter surface (422) of the filter member (400) may extend at an angle to the one surface, and it is also possible for both the second filter surface (422) of the filter member (400) and the one surface of the filter chamber (320) to extend at an angle.

[0386] Meanwhile, FIG. 24 illustrates air flowing through the first filter surface (421), the second filter surface (422), and the third filter surface (423) provided in the filter member (400).

[0387] The air that has passed through the first filter surface (421) and the second filter surface (422) can flow along the separation space (408) between the filter member (400) and the filter chamber (320) and be discharged through the chamber discharge portion (322).

[0388] The first filter surface (421), the second filter surface (422), and the third filter surface (423) can all be spaced apart from the inner surface of the filter chamber (320), and air passing through the filter surfaces (420) can be collected in the space (408) between the filter member (400) and the inner surface of the filter chamber (320) and discharged from the filter chamber (320) through the chamber discharge portion (322).

[0389] The third filter surface (423) can be connected to the inlet surface (410). The first filter surface (421), the second filter surface (422), and the third filter surface (423) can extend from the inlet surface (410) along the first direction.

[0390] The second filter surface (422) is connected to the inlet surface (410) and the first filter surface (421), and the third filter surface (423) is connected to the inlet surface (410) and the second filter surface (422), but can be spaced apart from the first filter surface (421).

[0391] For example, the first filter surface (421) may be provided to form one of the two sides of the filter member (400) along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10), the second filter surface (422) may be provided to form the bottom surface of the filter member (400), and the third filter surface (423) may be provided to form the remaining one of the two sides of the filter member (400).

[0392] For reference, the second filter surface (422) and the third filter surface (423) are not necessarily distinguished based on their names. For example, the second filter surface (422) may be the remaining one of the two sides of the filter member (400), and the third filter surface (423) may be the bottom surface of the filter member (400).

[0393] One embodiment of the present invention can effectively increase the filtering area even in a limited air space through a filter member (400) having a plurality of filter surfaces (420). In addition, as described above, by utilizing an inclined extension shape so that the distance between the filter surface (420) and the inner surface of the filter chamber (320) varies, the non-uniformity of the air flow rate can be effectively improved even when the air flow direction changes.

[0394] Meanwhile, FIG. 25 illustrates a second filter surface (422) corresponding to the bottom surface of the filter member (400) extending obliquely along the second direction described above according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0395] As described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, the air flow rate may be uneven in the first direction, for example, the front-back direction (X-axis direction) of the cabinet (10), but may also be uneven in the second direction, for example, the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the cabinet (10).

[0396] Specifically, when the air flow has a curved shape, the flow rate of air may increase due to centrifugal force as it moves away from the center of the curve. Looking at this based on the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10), the flow rate due to centrifugal force increases as it moves away from the chamber discharge portion (322) based on the cross-section viewed from the front of the filter member (400).

[0397] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second filter surface (422) corresponding to the bottom surface of the filter member (400) is extended obliquely along the width direction (Y) of the cabinet (10), thereby improving the uniformity of the air flow rate for the second filter surface (422) through adjustment of relative air resistance.

[0398] More specifically, the second filter surface (422) may face the bottom surface (325) of the filter chamber (320). The distance between the bottom surface (325) of the filter chamber (320) and the second filter surface (422) may decrease as it gets farther from the first filter surface (421).

[0399] In other words, the distance between the surface of the filter chamber (320) facing the second filter surface (422) and the second filter surface (422) may decrease as it gets farther away from the first filter surface (421).

[0400] To this end, the second filter surface (422) may extend obliquely with respect to the bottom surface (325) of the filter chamber (320). The second filter surface (422) may extend obliquely along the second direction from the first filter surface (421).

[0401] However, it is not necessarily limited to the second filter surface (422) extending obliquely, and the bottom surface (325) of the filter chamber (320) may extend obliquely along the second direction, and the second filter surface (422) and the bottom surface (325) of the filter chamber (320) may extend obliquely together along the second direction.

[0402] Meanwhile, in one embodiment of the present invention, not all of the surfaces of the filter member (400) extending along the first direction need to be filter surfaces (420). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the filter member (400) may be provided with only the first filter surface (421) and the second filter surface (422) and the third filter surface (423) omitted.

[0403] In this case, the opposing surface of the first filter surface (421) among the two sides of the filter member (400) can be understood as a wall through which air does not pass, and the opposing surface can be closely attached to the inner surface of the filter chamber (320) to prevent an unnecessary increase in the separation space (408).

[0404] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with respect to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be variously improved and modified without departing from the technical spirit of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Cabinet; A drum provided to be rotatable inside the cabinet and to accommodate clothing; An air circulation unit provided inside the cabinet and through which air inside the drum circulates; and A filter unit including a filter chamber provided in the air circulation unit and a filter member provided in the filter chamber to filter foreign substances in the air; The above filter chamber includes a chamber inlet portion through which air is introduced along a first direction and a chamber outlet portion through which air is discharged along a second direction crossing the first direction. The filter member includes an inlet surface facing the chamber inlet portion and through which air is introduced along the first direction into a filter space formed inside the filter member; a first filter surface connected to the inlet surface and facing the chamber discharge portion, through which air in the filter space passes along the second direction and is filtered; and a second filter surface connected to the inlet surface and through which air in the filter space passes and is filtered. A clothing treatment device in which the distance between the surface of the filter chamber facing the second filter surface and the second filter surface decreases as it gets farther from the inlet surface.

2. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device in which air passing through the first filter surface and the second filter surface flows along the space between the filter member and the filter chamber and is discharged through the chamber discharge unit.

3. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device in which the one side of the filter chamber facing the second filter surface extends at an angle with respect to the second filter surface.

4. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device in which the one side of the filter chamber facing the second filter side extends obliquely along the first direction.

5. In paragraph 1, The above second filter surface faces the bottom surface of the filter chamber, A clothing treatment device in which the bottom surface of the filter chamber extends in an inclined manner so that the distance from the second filter surface decreases as it gets farther from the inlet surface.

6. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device in which the first filter surface and the second filter surface extend from the inlet surface along the first direction.

7. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device in which the second filter surface is connected to the inlet surface and the first filter surface.

8. In paragraph 7, The above second filter surface faces the bottom surface of the filter chamber, A clothing treatment device in which the distance between the bottom surface of the filter chamber and the second filter surface decreases as the distance increases from the first filter surface.

9. In paragraph 8, A clothing treatment device in which the second filter surface extends at an angle relative to the bottom surface of the filter chamber.

10. In paragraph 8, A clothing treatment device in which the second filter surface extends obliquely from the first filter surface along the second direction.

11. In paragraph 1, The above filter member, A clothing treatment device further comprising a third filter surface connected to the inlet surface and through which air in the filter space passes and is filtered.

12. In paragraph 11, A clothing treatment device in which the first filter surface, the second filter surface, and the third filter surface extend from the inlet surface along the first direction.

13. In paragraph 11, The second filter surface is connected to the inlet surface and the first filter surface, A clothing treatment device in which the third filter surface is connected to the inlet surface and the second filter surface, but is spaced apart from the first filter surface.

14. In paragraph 11, The above first filter surface corresponds to one of the two sides of the filter member along the width direction of the cabinet, The above second filter surface corresponds to the bottom surface of the filter member, The above third filter surface is a clothing treatment device corresponding to the remaining one of the two sides of the filter member.

15. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device in which a filter sealer is provided between the inlet surface of the filter member and the chamber inlet portion of the filter chamber to prevent air leakage.

16. In paragraph 1, A clothing treatment device in which the surface of the filter member facing the inlet surface forms a fixed surface fixed to the filter chamber.

17. In paragraph 1, The above air circulation unit is a clothing treatment device located above the tub inside the cabinet.

18. In paragraph 17, A clothing treatment device in which the filter member is pulled out from the filter chamber to the outside of the cabinet through the upper surface of the cabinet.

19. In paragraph 18, The above cabinet includes a top panel defining the upper surface, A garment treatment device in which the top panel includes a filter opening into which the filter member is inserted.

20. In paragraph 17, The above air circulation unit, A circulation path including an inlet portion through which air is drawn in from the above tub and an outlet portion positioned in front of the inlet portion to discharge air into the tub; A clothing treatment device in which the filter part is provided in the circulation path and is positioned in front of the inlet part.

21. In paragraph 20, The above circulation path is: Including an inlet pipe extending forward from the inlet portion and connected to the filter chamber; A clothing treatment device in which the chamber inlet is provided at the rear of the filter chamber.

22. In paragraph 20, The above inlet surface corresponds to the rear surface of the above filter member, A clothing treatment device in which the front of the above filter member forms a fixing surface that is releasably fixed to the above filter chamber.

23. In paragraph 17, A clothing treatment device further comprising a drainage unit positioned below the tub inside the cabinet and discharging water from the tub.

24. In paragraph 17, A garment treatment device further comprising a detergent supply unit positioned below the tub inside the cabinet and supplying detergent into the tub.

25. In paragraph 17, It further includes an additional processing device including an additional cabinet positioned below the above cabinet and an additional drum provided inside the additional cabinet for accommodating clothes; The above cabinet is a clothing processing device placed above the above additional cabinet.

26. In paragraph 1, The air circulation unit includes a first flow path extending along the first direction and a second flow path extending from the first flow path along the second direction, A clothing treatment device in which the filter chamber is provided at the connection point of the first and second flow paths.

27. In paragraph 26, The above air circulation unit, A clothing treatment device further comprising a heat exchanger provided in the second mile and performing heat exchange between air and refrigerant.

28. In paragraph 27, A clothing treatment device in which the chamber discharge portion of the filter chamber is arranged to face the heat exchanger.

29. In paragraph 1, The above air circulation unit, A heat exchanger in which heat exchange occurs between air flowing through the air circulation unit and a refrigerant; and A clothing treatment device further comprising a mounting base including a heat exchange chamber in which the filter chamber and the heat exchanger are mounted.

30. In paragraph 29, A clothing treatment device in which the filter member and the heat exchanger are aligned parallel to the width direction of the cabinet on the above mounting base.

31. In paragraph 29, The above mounting base is provided so that the filter chamber and the heat exchange chamber share one surface, The above filter chamber is provided with the chamber discharge portion on the one surface shared with the heat exchange chamber, The above heat exchange chamber is a clothing treatment device in which air is introduced through the chamber discharge portion of the above filter chamber.

32. Cabinet; A drum provided to be rotatable inside the cabinet and to accommodate clothing; An air circulation unit provided inside the cabinet and through which air inside the drum circulates; and A filter unit including a filter chamber provided in the air circulation unit and a filter member provided in the filter chamber to filter foreign substances in the air; The above filter chamber includes a chamber inlet portion through which air is introduced along a first direction and a chamber outlet portion through which air is discharged along a second direction crossing the first direction. The filter member includes an inlet surface facing the chamber inlet portion and through which air is introduced along the first direction into a filter space formed inside the filter member; a first filter surface connected to the inlet surface and facing the chamber discharge portion, through which air in the filter space passes and is filtered along the second direction; and a second filter surface connected to the inlet surface and the first filter surface, through which air in the filter space passes and is filtered. A clothing treatment device in which the distance between the second filter surface and the second filter surface of the filter chamber facing the second filter surface decreases as the distance increases from the first filter surface.

Images